The holiday season is here, and it’s a fantastic time of year to enjoy Austin. Sure, there are a few chilly days worthy of a backyard fire, but we also get to enjoy those 75-degree days that almost get you thinking about swimming again.
This year brings a mix of traditional Austin favorites, like the Trail of Lights, and new holiday displays, like the one out at the Circuit of the Americas. So, you and your family have plenty of options for a special holiday night out with hot coco and dazzling light displays.
Meanwhile, it’s also shopping season. So you’ll find several events geared at finding that perfect gift, such as the fine arts available at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.
Whatever you and those close to you go after this month, we hope you have a safe and festive holiday season. Now, let’s check out the lineup.
December 1-2, 8-30
Usually, the Circuit of the Americas is decked out for high speed racing action. But this year it is being transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the holidays. And they’re taking advantage of all that space in the concert area. It has a skating rink, petting zoo, carnival rides, a human snow globe and plenty of food and drink. They’re also expecting their “Tunnel of Lights” to quickly become world famous — and they hint at a chance of snow.
When: 6-10 p.m. all week
Where: Circuit of the Americas
More information: http://www.thecircuit.com/winter-wonderland
December 2
Many of us — or perhaps our parents — may remember Christmas caroling around the neighborhood. Well, how about taking the show downtown? Each year, Austinites come to Congress Avenue for a the Holiday Stroll and Sing-Along. Aside from the caroling and community spirit, you’ll find live music, shopping options and, of course, plenty of places to stop for a hot coco or a lovely dinner. Oh, and, of course, the huge Christmas tree at the Capitol.
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Congress Avenue downtown
More information: https://www.austintexas.org/event/downtown-austin-holiday-stroll/328287/
December 3-23
Ballet Austin performs one of the holiday’s most celebrated productions, “The Nutcracker,” on the weekends for the first couple weekends of December before doing a five-day run leading up to the final show on the night before Christmas Eve.
When: 7:30 p.m. (check dates)
Where: The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr
More information: https://my.balletaustin.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=135
December 9-23
There is no more famous a tradition in Austin during the holidays than the Trail of Lights. The holiday light spectacular helps provide tens of thousands of meals for those in need through the Central Texas Food Bank, and it has a ton of fun for the whole family. Aside from dazzling light displays, you’ll find hot coco, ice cream, photos with Santa and other fun opportunities.
When: 6-10 p.m. each night
Where: Zilker Park, 2400 Barton Springs Rd.
More information: https://austintrailoflights.org/tickets
December 14-24
Gifting is tricky business, especially if you’re trying to find something unique. That’s where the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar might help. It’s packed with fine arts, and small stages with live music — plus a bar. So if handmade jewelry or a sculpture, painting or handmade fashion design is on one of your loved ones’ lists, you might want to consider swinging by.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
More information: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/
December 31
Close out 2017 with some of Austin’s favorite live bands, including Brownout, Ian MOore Band, Tomar and the FCs, Magna Carda and several others. You’ll find them all at Austin’s New Year’s Eve bash at Auditorium shores. It’s a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. And it’s free.
When: 3-10 p.m.
Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr
More information: http://austinsnewyear.com/